NORTHERN EXPLORER

23 DAYS/22 NIGHTS

DEPARTING 15 OCT 2019

The northern part of Australia can be challenging to visit with any degree of comfort but combine a cruise with an epic rail adventure and you have access to a huge variety of exploring options. On this incredible 23 day trip, you’ll even get an international shore excursion in Papua New Guinea.

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The Sun Princess truly lights up the seas, serving up tantalising cuisine, dazzling live entertainment, and new experiences with the Discovery at SEA programs. Relax in The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, or put your feet up at Movies Under the Stars - whatever you decide to do, your time onboard will be unforgettable.

OVERNIGHT: 17 nights Sun Princess (D)

DAY TWO – SUN PRINCESS, AT SEA

Familiarise yourself with the layout of the ship today. A variety of everyday dining venues are available including Terrace Grill, Horizon Court, Amuleto Café, International Café and 24 hour room service. Choose from specialty restaurants Share by Curtis Stone, Kai Seafood Bar and the Sterling Steakhouse. (B,L,D)

DAY THREE –SUN PRINCESS, BRISBANE

Brisbane has come of age and continues to grow as a cosmopolitan metropolis with loads of appeal. Its elegant 19th century sandstone buildings sit alongside superb modern architecture and a cultural precinct lining the banks of the Brisbane River. The Queensland capital is also the perfect gateway to enjoy the fabulous Gold Coast. (B,L,D)

DAY FOUR & FIVE – SUN PRINCESS, AT SEA

Enjoy the many facilities available to you aboard Sun Princess. (B,L,D)

DAY SIX – SUN PRINCESS, ALOTAU, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Go ashore to find white sand beaches, crystal waterfalls and awesome volcanic ranges. Now a peaceful retreat, Alotau in Papua New Guinea is the perfect place to connect with nature. (B,L,D)

DAY SEVEN – SUN PRINCESS, AT SEA

Relax in one of the lounges, read a good book or, visit The Sanctuary. (B,L,D)

DAY EIGHT – SUN PRINCESS, CAIRNS

With the Daintree National Park and Great Barrier Reef on its doorstep, Cairns is a magnet for visitors. This popular destination for adventurers from the world over has an idyllic climate, beautiful tree-lined esplanades to stroll, and a huge number of day-trip activities to choose from. (B,L,D)

DAY NINE & TEN – SUN PRINCESS, AT SEA

Plan your onboard activities for the next two days whilst at sea. Enjoy a musical production, play bingo, dabble in the casino, or perhaps join a cooking demonstration. (B,L,D)

DAY ELEVEN – SUN PRINCESS, DARWIN

Australia’s northern capital lies at the heart of the tropics and is home to more than half the Northern Territory’s population. A popular starting point for journeys through the many attractions of the Top End wilderness regions, there’s also plenty of fascinating history to explore in and around Darwin. (B,L,D)

DAY TWELVE – SUN PRINCESS, AT SEA

Enjoy today at you leisure. (B,L,D)

DAY THIRTEEN – SUN PRINCESS, KIMBERLEY COAST

Renowned as one of the most important and spectacular wilderness regions on earth, you will get to see the beauty of the Kimberley from the ocean. The dramatic coastline framed by stark red cliffs has been identified as one of the least impacted marine environments in the world. With more than 2,600 islands scattered beyond the reefs, the area is rich in biodiversity and and wildlife. Expect to see plenty of exotic birdlife as you cruise past this amazing wonderland. (B,L,D)

DAY FOURTEEN – SUN PRINCESS, BROOME

Built on the back of the pearl trade, Broome is a wonderfully multicultural town on the rugged north west coast of Western Australia. This fascinating and diverse remote outpost boasts one of the country’s premier beaches – stunning Cable Beach stretches more than 20 kilometres along the coastline of the Indian Ocean. (B,L,D)

DAY FIFTEEN & SIXTEEN – SUN PRINCESS, AT SEA

Pamper yourself with a treatment in Lotus Spa or indulge in one of the specialty restaurants. (B,L,D)

DAY SEVENTEEN – SUN PRINCESS, GERALDTON

With its superb Mediterranean climate, wonderful scenery and pristine beaches, Geraldton has long been a popular place to visit. A major port gateway to Western Australia, it is also a global haven for windsurfers with Coronation Beach one of the world hotspots. (B,L,D)

DAY EIGHTEEN – SUN PRINCESS, FREMANTLE

Arrive in Fremantle this morning and make your way to your local accommodation. ‘Freo,’ as it’s known to the locals, is a fabulous precinct to explore with its vibrant café scene, creative energy and historic streetscapes. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure in this interesting and always lively portside district.

OVERNIGHT: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges (B)

DAY NINETEEN – LEISURE DAY

A day to explore and really uncover Fremantle at your own pace with its colonial style architecture, or discover the natural wonders at your doorstep with a visit to Rottnest Island. If it is history you are after then a perfect opportunity to expose the vast convict history is with a local walking tour. (B)

WE RECOMMEND

Convicts and Colonials Walking tour $99 per person

This walking tour reveals the area’s fascinating and often dark tales like the story of the most notorious jail in the British Empire, the World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison. Your expert guide reveals countless colourful stories and anecdotes as you traverse the city and its landmarks, including Boat Harbour and the oldest building in Western Australia, The Roundhouse. ABOARD

DAY TWENTY – BOARD THE INDIAN PACIFIC IN PERTH

This morning join the Indian Pacific and, before long, you’ll be heading through the delightful Avon Valley. Take time out to enjoy this iconic train and its many creature comforts. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the Outback Explorer Lounge with fellow travellers in anticipation of your late-night arrival into the gold-mining township of Kalgoorlie where you’ll enjoy an Off Train Excursion. OVERNIGHT: 3 nights Indian Pacific (L,D)

DAY TWENTY ONE – INDIAN PACIFIC, NULLARBOR PLAIN

Wake to a spectacular Nullarbor sunrise. Relax throughout the day taking in the outback vistas before visiting the extraordinary and slightly eerie ghost town of Cook, home to a thriving population of four. (B,L,D)

DAY TWENTY TWO –INDIAN PACIFIC, ADELAIDE AND BROKEN HILL

As the landscape changes again and rich ochre sands make way for forests and farmlands, you will arrive into Adelaide in the morning where a range of Off Train Excursions are on offer. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Adelaide Oval or see the highlights of the city on foot or by coach. After a rewarding experience in the South Australian capital, return to the Indian Pacific to continue the journey toward Sydney. Your next stop is Broken Hill where you’ll have a choice of excursions that showcase the rich mining, artistic and cinematic legacy of this frontier outback town. Re-join the train for dinner and the continuation of your journey. (B,L,D)

DAY TWENTY THREE– INDIAN PACIFIC, SYDNEY

Wake this morning to take in the full spectacle of the Blue Mountains on Sydney’s doorstep. After your arrival into Katoomba, select from numerous mountain experiences. See the majestic Three Sisters at Echo Point and the views at Jamison Valley before the culmination of your epic transcontinental crossing. (B,L